School of Medicine

The microbiota-gut-brain axis is central to maintaining normal intestinal physiology. Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can experience stress-induced disease exacerbations, and a strong association with psychiatric comorbidities. Gene mutations in components of innate immunity, such as Nod-like receptors, have been linked to the development of IBD. How an altered intestinal immune response changes behavior, either at baseline or following exposure to stress, is currently unknown.